90210 - New Generation

While we are on the topic of icons of pop culture in 1990 a fun TV series took us by storm. It was called Beverly Hills 90210 and was about the lives of the pampered and privileged school kids of West Beverly Hills High. So glam and slick were the production values of the show that you could have been forgiven for getting it mixed up with 80s soap, Dynasty. Beverly Hills 90210 was basically a teen version of Dallas and Dynasty and the first of it's kind. Around that time shows aimed at teens were either comedies or nitty gritty dramas so this was the first time that teenagers had a glossy programme that was just for them. The focus of the show were twins, Brandon and Brenda Walsh, played by Johnny Depp lookalike, Jason Priestley and Shannen Doherty, who had moved from small town Minnesota to the lushness of California. The show ran for 10 years making stars out of it's cast. However, in 2000 after a lot of addition and deletion of the characters as well as tackling issues such as date rape, alcoholism, domestic violence, gay rights, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, suicide and AIDS, it bowed out in style.

So you can imagine my delight when I heard that a spin off was being planned. I didn't take much notice at first as there was never any substantial evidence. Unbelievably, the rumours have turned into a reality and 90210 as it will be called will air on The CW Television Network in September. It is basically the same format; new family moves to the area from Kansas and tries to adapt to the new environment. Veterans from the original series, Jennie Garth who played Kelly, Tori Spelling who played Donna and Shannon Doherty are set to return to the show in recurring parts. This is so cool and judging by the trailer will be a show to challenge Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill.

You can catch 90210 on The CW Television Network on 2nd September.